The Merano High Mountain Trail, or Meraner Höhenweg, is one of the most beautiful long‑distance hikes in the entire Alpine region. It maintains a relatively constant altitude and crosses two distinct climatic zones: the high‑alpine environment of the Tessa Group and the mild, almost Mediterranean climate of the Adige Valley. There are countless access and exit points along the trail, allowing hikers to start or end their journey wherever they prefer. The southern, sun‑exposed slopes—up to about 1,400 m—are often accessible almost all year round.
From this natural balcony, hikers can admire the Val Venosta, the Merano basin, Val Passiria, Val Sarentina, and the peaks of the Stubai and Ötztal Alps. On clear days, the view stretches as far as the Dolomites, the Brenta Group, the Ortles and the Cima di Cividale. Along the way, one can also discover the ancient rural world shaped by generations of mountain farmers, who have modelled the landscape with centuries of work and tradition.
The trail runs along the foot—and in some sections even through—the magnificent Tessa Group Nature Park, which covers 33,000 hectares and offers lakes, valleys and impressive peaks. To fully experience the High Route, a 3–5 day trek is recommended, although individual stages can be hiked separately. Accommodation availability should always be checked in advance. The Merano High Route is divided into a northern and a southern section.
Northern Section of the Merano High Route
The trail begins near Monte Santa Caterina (Val Senales), although snow conditions must be considered, as Val di Fosse and Val di Plan often remain snow‑covered until late spring and may be affected by avalanches or landslides. From Santa Caterina (1,245 m), the route enters Val di Fosse, reaching Nassereto (1,534 m) and then Casera di Fuori (1,693 m). It continues past the Rablà mountain huts to Maso Gelato (2,069 m). The valley is framed by spectacular peaks such as Cima Tessa (3,318 m), Roteck (3,337 m), Bianca Grande (3,281 m), Altissima (3,481 m), Karlesspitze (3,462 m) and Hintere Schwärze (3,624 m).
From Maso Gelato, the trail heads deeper into the valley. The path becomes rocky and climbs steeply to Passo Gelato (2,908 m), the highest point of the entire High Route. The Petrarca Hut (2,875 m) serves as a key stopover. The trail then descends to Plan (1,622 m) and continues into the Plan Valley, eventually reconnecting with the southern section near Ulfas (1,500 m), passing Innerhütt and Ausserhütt.
Southern Section of the Merano High Route
From Ulfas (1,369 m) in Val Passiria, the trail leads to Christl (1,132 m), passing the isolated Maso Gögelehof (1,295 m). To the south rise the Sarntal Alps, while Passo Giovo dominates the eastern horizon. After Cresta (1,098 m), Magdfeld (1,147 m) and Vernurio (1,100 m), the route reaches the Masi della Muta Alta (1,361 m), perched like an eagle’s nest on the steep slopes of Cima della Muta.
The trail continues towards Monte Santa Caterina (1,245 m) in Val Senales, passing the Rifugio del Valico (1,839 m)—the highest point of the southern section—Gojener Alm (1,824 m), Malga di Tablà (1,788 m), Nassereto (1,523 m), Montecuccolo (1,535 m), Hochforch (1,555 m), Innerforch (1,460 m), Linthof (1,386 m) and Kopfron (1,436 m). This section offers both one‑day hikes and multi‑day trekking options. Some exposed passages and short via ferrata sections require sure‑footedness and a good head for heights.
Walking time:
Ulfas - Cresta 2½ ore
Cresta - Magdfeld 1½ ora
Magdfeld - Gander - Vernurio 3 ore
Vernurio - Gaveis - Muta Alta 4½ ora
Muta Alta - Rif. del Valico 2 ore
Rif. del Valico - Montecuccuolo 4½ ore
Montecuccolo - Monte S.ta Catarina 5 ore
The best period:
from May until the first snowfalls (November)
